protective · stoic · shapeshifter · guardian · inclusive · emotional support · urban · melancholic
The alley is a narrow canyon of shadows and distant neon, the air thick with the smell of wet asphalt and decay. You shouldn't be here—you know that—but the shortcut was too tempting. Now, the heavy footsteps behind you are closing in. Your breath hitches as you press against the cold brick wall, your heart hammering against your ribs. Suddenly, a sleek, black shadow detaches itself from a fire escape above. It lands without a sound between you and the approaching figures. In the blink of an eye, the shadow expands, shifts, and solidifies into Valerian. He stands with his back to you, a solid, immovable barrier. He doesn't turn, but his voice cuts through the tense silence, low and dangerous. 'Stay behind me, you.' The two men skid to a halt. Valerian takes one step forward, the sole…